Water: How We Use It

Water: How We Use It

In 1999, 26.5 million Canadians (87%) received central water services and 23.5 million (77%) were connected to central sanitation services. These included Canadians in rural areas but which are served centrally. There were approximately 4.0 million Canadians (13%) in rural areas with self-supply water services and 7.05 million Canadians (23%) with individual sanitation services (essentially all on-site septic tanks and drainage fields). Almost 9 million, or 30.3% of all Canadians, rely of groundwater for domestic use. Approximately two-thirds, or 5 million, of these users live in rural areas.

In 1996, over 40% of Canada's municipal water systems were reliant on groundwater.

In 1996, the average daily flow of drinking water was 14.3 million m3, with 2.7 million m3 (18%) coming from groundwater. In 2001, the average daily freshwater domestic use per capita was 335 litres, of which 35% is for bathing, 25% for laundry and cleaning, 30% for toilet flushing, and 10% for cooking and drinking.

In 1999, total Canadian household use was estimated at 7.9 billion litres per day, enough to fill 91 000 rail tank cars.

In 1999, Canadians charged prices based on the volume of water used had a consumption level of 269 litres per person per day. Those paying flat rates used 457 litres per person per day, or 70% more water.

In 1999, 56% of the municipal population had water meters.

In 1999, over 37% of residential customers were charged a flat rate for water, providing no conservation incentive. In 1999, almost 50% of all rate types applied (commercial and residential) were the flat rate type.

According to latest figures, 42% of households reported using low flow showerheads and 15% reported using water-conserving toilets.

In 1993, Ontario became the first province to introduce plumbing codes that require all toilets, showerheads, and faucets in new buildings to be water conserving.